The effect of music on cognitive function, highlighting possible non-pharmacological intervention for Alzheimers Disease.

Abstract

Background: Listening to music can be described as a passive but ubiquitous activity whereby many individuals are exposed to musical byproducts daily. It has been an area of interest for many years whereby the ‘Mozart Effect’ provides enhancing effects on individuals with dementia. Studies, however, are lacking the effect of many genres of music including demographics like age, educational status and musical instrument status. Aims/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of music on cognition based on most and least preferred or no music. This will determine whether individual capabilities are diminished or enhanced after listening to music for a short time period. The objectives of this study are to measure blood pressure, and to undergo cognitive tests, Stroop and Corsi after listening to no music, music they enjoy and music they dislike over three separate visits. Additionally, cohorts influencing cognition like age will be identified whilst the acceptability of musical intervention within education on cognition tested. Finally, this study will explore whether being able to play a musical instrument has an overall positive impact on cognition after a musical intervention. Methods: Participants were recruited to undergo three musical interventions: no music, music liked and music disliked. Whereby, their blood pressure was taken three times before and after the study design. After each intervention, participants were tested via a Stroop and Corsi test providing data for statistical analysis. Results: There was a statistical difference noticed between no music and both musical groups (P<0.05) when testing Stroop errors and time however, no statistical difference was noted within the Corsi test. Cohorts like age, education and musical instrument status correlated with tests throughout the study (P<0.05). Conclusion: Findings from this present study indicate music listening may have a positive effect on cognition. And therefore, could be considered as a non-pharmacological management along with treatment for dementia patients Key words: Alzheimers Disease, Cognitive Function, Music Like, Music Dislike, Stroop Test, Corsi Test